Mary Jo Lund, 80, of Two Harbors, MN passed away on April 29, 2021 at the home she shared with her daughter Karin and family, in Esko, MN.
Mary Jo was born at the family cottage in Aitkin, MN to Clarence and Katherine Lund on December 6, 1940. She went to Hermantown High School and graduated in 1958. She attended college in Dickinson, ND. Her early career was spent working at Lake Street United Methodist Church in Eau Claire, WI. Prior to that she had been a stay-at-home mom to her four children. Her later career was spent working in social services for St. Louis County for many years. In her retirement years, she worked as a personal care attendant for her granddaughter, Courtney. She enjoyed reading, especially her daily devotional time with the Lord. She was a humble and gentle servant, in continual prayer for others. She was a selfless giver, always putting others before herself. She was an active member at the United Church of Two Harbors where she enjoyed bible study and time with the women’s group. Her favorite thing was to spend time with family. She never wanted to miss a gathering and was often the last to leave. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She came from a long line of excellent cooks and bakers. She had a special fondness for treats and showed love for us with her homemade food.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Katherine Lund; granddaughter, Monica Cardinal; brothers, Dale (Muriel) Lund and Richard “Dick” Lund; father and mother-in-law, James B. Sr. and Eunice Caspersen; daughter-in-law, Catherine Caspersen; and family friend, Terry Amos.
Mary Jo is survived by her former husband, James B. Jr. (Phyllis Lehti) Caspersen; children, James J. (Debra) Caspersen, Kathryn (Douglas) Lindahl, Karin (Erik) Johnson and Becky (Mark) Starkey; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren with two more on the way. She also leaves behind her dear sisters, Nancy (Dale) Berntsen and Debbie Rider; and sister-in-law Bonnie Lund. She was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, and like a second mom to many. She is also survived by her former husband, Glenn Bertelson; dear friends, Leonard and Margaret Larsen; and deeply cherished friend of many years, Rev. Thomas Jarrell.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Karin for providing loving care at home during her final days. They had a special bond and Karin somehow knew just what mom needed at the time. As a registered nurse, Karin was equipped with the knowledge to give the utmost care and was a lifeline for the rest of the family. We are eternally grateful to Karin and words cannot express how blessed we are that our mom was loved so well.
Visitation will be held at 11am on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, with funeral service to follow at 12pm. Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery.
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